Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Original Articles

Current Status of Korean Medicine Treatment for Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Survey of Korean Medicine Doctors: Doori Kim, Seo-Hyun Park, Won-Suk Sung, Eun-Jung Kim; Perspect Integr Med. 2022;1(1):34-44. Published online September 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2022.09.006

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The applicability of Korean medicine (KM) treatments for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were investigated.
Methods
A cross-sectional, web-based survey of Korean medical doctors (KMDs) was conducted in June 2022. The 25-item questionnaire comprised of five parts: basic characteristics, prescribed post-COVID-19 KM treatments, treatment effect in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, patient satisfaction, and awareness and utilization of the relevant KM Clinical Practice Guideline by the KMDs.
Results
In total, 1,063 completed questionnaires were collected, and 822 were analyzed. The most common symptoms in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome treated by KMDs was weakness and fatigue (84.3%). Herbal decoctions (39.2%) and herbal powder (not covered by medical insurance; 25.8%) were primarily used. Among the KMDs, 95% (n = 781) responded that KM treatments, particularly herbal decoctions (82.6%) and herbal powder (not covered by medical insurance; 46.8%), were effective. Overall, 92.6% (n = 761) of KMD participants answered that the patients were satisfied with KM treatments, mostly due to symptomatic improvement (60.8%). The primary reason for dissatisfaction was the burden of cost for patients (78.4%). The main reasons for low uptake of KM services by patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were lack of publicity and administrative issues such as no health insurance coverage.
Conclusion
KM is highly applicable for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Health policies supporting the use of KM for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome are recommended.

An Overview of Clinical Features, and Medical Access Among Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndromes: Analysis of a Nationwide Survey in Korea: Doori Kim, Ui Min Jerng, Jee Young Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2022;1(1):21-33. Published online September 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2022.09.005

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The objective of this study was to identify the clinical features of patients who recovered from COVID-19, and to determine their unmet medical needs and quality of life.
Methods
A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in Korea in June 2022, targeting patients with at least four weeks of symptoms of COVID-19. The questionnaire survey had 37 items across: basic characteristics, acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID) symptoms, access to medical facilities for long COVID, unmet medical needs, long COVID support system, and quality of life.
Results
Among 1,430 responses, 745 (52.1%) respondents had experienced long COVID. The most common symptoms were ear, nose, and throat complications (n = 461, 61.9%), followed by weakness and fatigue (n = 393, 52.8%). Amongst the 745 respondents who experienced long COVID, 337 (45.2%) had visited a medical institution, of which, 84.9% had visited a clinic or hospital for treatment. Korean medicine clinics and hospitals had the highest satisfaction rates (43.4%). There were 242 respondents (32.5%) who reported unmet medical needs for their long COVID. Symptom severity and duration of COVID-19 were risk factors for unmet medical needs. Quality of life was low in those patients with long COVID and unmet medical needs, and decreased further with increased severity and longer duration of symptoms.
Conclusion
Studies on the effects of Korean medicine treatment of long COVID, and establishing a system providing sufficient treatment for patients with long COVID are needed. These findings could be used by clinicians, researchers, and COVID-19-related policymakers.

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